Vol. 6 No. 6
NOV•DEC ’20
GREEN ISL A NDS Summit Metro Parks
Bi-monthly Magazine
ON THE INSIDE 4 DISCOVER
Building Our Future
9 EXPLORE
Programs and Events Update
2 ENJOY
Natural area protected thanks to land donation
Your Metro Parks are funded by a small Summit County real-estate tax. This magazine is an example of your public dollars at work.
Our parks are like green islands in an urban landscape.
BOARD of PARK
IN THIS ISSUE
commissioners
Your Back Yard for 00 Years . . . . . . . 3 Building Our Future . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Community Spotlight: Traci Buckner . . . 7 Hampton & Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Programs & Events Update . . . . . . . . 9 Maple Leaf Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Natural Area Protected Thanks to Land Donation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SMP Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Winter Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS Tina Ughrin Chair Joel D. Bailey Tonya Block Herb Newman Mark A. Spisak Lisa M. King Executive Director EDITORS Stephanie Walton Chief of Marketing & Communications Mike Greene Education & Recreation Manager Lindsay Smith Marketing & Public Relations Manager DESIGN & ART DIRECTION Jennie Levy Graphic Designer Karl Simonson Graphic Designer Summit Metro Parks 975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron, OH 4433-5837 Administrative Offices: 330-867-55 F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm: 330-865-8065 Liberty Park Nature Center: 330-487-0493 Seasonal Information: 330-865-8060 Volunteer Information: 330-865-8047 Photos contributed by: • Jeff Hill • Tami Hill • JJ Prekop Jr. • Karl Simonson • Mallerie Strasser • Sheila Stransky • Sophia Szeremet • Cover photo by Amateur Photography Exhibit People’s Choice Award winner Melissa Ruggiero This magazine is mailed free of charge to Summit County residents. To join the mailing list, send your name and mailing address to contact@summitmetroparks.org or call 330-867-55.
Green Islands can be downloaded online: summitmetroparks.org
Joel D. Bailey
Mark A. Spisak Tonya Block
Herb Newman Tina Ughrin
The park district’s governing body is appointed by the Summit County Probate Judge. Commissioners serve overlapping three-year terms and are assisted by the executive director, who oversees the work of full-time and part-time employees, seasonal workers and volunteers. fifth in a series of five
SMP GREEN TIPS GREEN
GIVING
• Gift green! Check out our order-by-phone selections available from Maple Leaf Gifts for some unique and eco-friendly gift ideas. When wrapping, consider upcycling newspaper, fabric or other items around the house rather than buying new materials. See gift shop items at summitmetroparks.org/gift-shop.aspx. • Feed me! Our hardy resident birds that stick around all winter need easy food to keep them going through the cold months ahead. Consider hanging a bird feeder filled with black oil sunflower seeds — a calorie-rich, fatty seed enjoyed by many of our avian neighbors. • Go native! As a natural part of our ecosystem, native plants require less maintenance and water. Give your yard a gift — early November is the time to prepare soil, lay down seeds and let mother nature do the rest.
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©2020 Summit Metro Parks
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YO U R B AC K YA R D Courtney Park | circa 925
YOUR BACK YARD FOR 00 YEARS
Lindsay Smith, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
In 202, your Summit Metro Parks will
heritage; connecting people to nature
be 00 years old! To reach a centennial
and honoring community support. We
milestone is a significant achievement,
invite you to join us on this journey —
and it would not have been possible
we’ll soon unveil a centennial website
without generous support over the years
and introduce several engaging and
from the residents of Summit County.
interactive initiatives that will fill 202
We’re looking forward to a new year of celebration and stories that collectively weave together to create today’s park district. The story of our centennial will be told through four pillars: protecting natural resources; celebrating cultural
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with both a look at our history and meaningful ways that, together with you, we’ll propel SMP into its next century of conservation of natural resources and connecting people to nature. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
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Build As 2020 comes to an end, we look back with gratitude at a challenging,
yet productive year. We thank Summit County voters for their ongoing support of the park district, and we commit to continuing our careful stewardship of resources and service to the county and its residents. In this spirit, we are excited to usher in our centennial year with meaningful progress on several initiatives that help set the stage for our next century.
Summit Lake Nature Center | architectural drawing 4
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YOUR BACK YARD
ing our Future Lindsay Smith, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
VALLEY VIEW AREA
reimagine the property’s historic barn
visitors access to explore and watch us
Acquired by the park district in 206,
that once served as a golf clubhouse.
grow. When river restoration work
the Valley View Area of Cascade
Where man-made modifications once
is complete, the next project will be
Valley Metro Park in Akron has already
redirected water and prevented native
developing pedestrian access to the
undergone a significant transformation
vegetation, free-flowing waterways and
Cuyahoga River.
and continues to evolve and take shape.
the start of prairie and forest habitats
Several substantial state and federal
are now in the works. In 202, the park
grant awards have helped the park
district will launch a prototype hiking
district re-naturalize the land and
trail near the barn, which will allow
Originally identified in the park district’s first master plan, Valley View provides a critical link between three Metro Parks and connects visitors to the Cuyahoga River, hiking and biking trails, the Towpath, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and more.
SUMMIT LAKE NATURE CENTER The new Summit Lake Nature Center is coming to life at the former pump house building along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Akron. This building was donated to the park district by Originally a dairy barn built in the mid-800s, renovations at Valley View will highlight the building’s soaring ceilings, historic barnstone foundation and scenic position on the property.
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continued on page 6
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the park. Park staff are currently in the early stages of creating a master plan for additional improvements that will be implemented after the anticipated removal of the Gorge Dam. If you haven’t been to Gorge Metro Park in a This architectural rendering shows another look at the Summit Lake Nature Center .
while, we recommend a visit to enjoy unobstructed late-fall views of the
continued from page 5
experience. When arriving at the ADA-
Cuyahoga River!
the City of Akron, and its development
accessible main parking lot, visitors are
has been made possible with the help
greeted with a new concrete plaza
Summit Metro Parks has provided clean
of generous in-kind services and grant
featuring a large interactive boulder
and safe parks for nearly 00 years and
funding. On the first floor, visitors will
and barnstone seat walls. Completing
we continue to evolve to serve our
find a large gathering space with 4-foot
the main entrance area are a bike rack,
community while remaining true to
high ceilings and public restrooms. With
updated kiosk area with sandstone
our mission. Improvements and new
expansive views of Summit Lake, the
seating and steps leading to a multi-
projects undertaken today set the stage
second floor includes a kitchenette and
purpose lawn, refurbished stone picnic
for future generations to enjoy visits
a large area for interpretive programs.
area under shade trees and a new
to parks in their own back yards. We
The nature center will feature engaging
flush restroom. To help with access, a
invite you to join us in our centennial
educational exhibits that tell the story
new sidewalk along Front Street leads
anniversary by visiting us at these new
of the site’s cultural past and highlight
to an updated pedestrian entrance to
and updated locations.
its natural history. Initial concepts include a welcome desk, ample seating
Recent improvements at Gorge Metro Park create a welcoming entrance.
and gallery-style displays, as well as live educational animals. The anticipated grand opening is set for spring 202.
GORGE METRO PARK UPDATES This year, Gorge Metro Park received enhancements that improve the visitor
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YOUR BACK YARD
SMP Community SPOTLIGHT:
TRACI BUCKNER Executive Director, Akron Children’s Museum Lindsay Smith, Marketing & Public Relations Manager Before setting off to promote a safe space for children and families to learn through play together as executive director of Akron’s first children’s museum, Traci Buckner spent the bulk of her career in education. Once a middle school teacher, Buckner excelled through several administration roles in the Akron Public Schools district. When she’s not at Akron Children’s Museum, Buckner and her family enjoy time spent in Summit Metro Parks. “One park experience that is most memorable is when me and my husband, Tobin, took our two sons, Jackson and Justice, to a night out at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm to learn from a naturalist,
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catch lightning bugs and make s’mores around a campfire. This is something we still enjoy doing at our home around the fire pit now that my sons are older,” Buckner recalled. We are grateful to Buckner for her leadership in our community, especially through an unusually challenging year. Like many people, she and her family found the parks to be a refuge during the early days of the pandemic. “One evening we took a drive (and) ended up at Sand Run Metro Park on a trail we had never walked before. There, we bumped into our neighbors who live a couple of houses over and who we hadn’t been able to see because everyone was
confined to their homes,” Buckner says. “We were so surprised and happy to see each other along the trail and couldn’t believe that of all of the Metro Parks to choose from we would end up at the same trail at the same time for the same purpose: a much-needed refuge to find peace in our community’s beautiful parks.” We’ll leave you with her pro tip for cinema lovers: “If you love Star Wars, you’ll feel as if you have just stepped into one of their movie scenes when hiking Silver Creek Metro Park. A portion of (Pheasant Run Trail) has a line of trees that are breathtaking.”
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Hampton & Friends Activities for Adventurers of All Ages
PARK BINGO – Hit the trail looking for these items as you hike. Can you find five across, down or diagonal?
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PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Due to the evolving nature of the community’s response to the COVID-9 outbreak, we are continually evaluating the safest way to offer a modified selection of programs and events. The latest information is available on our website at summitmetroparks.org.
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summit metro parks is glad to offer a variety of products for purchase by phone order Items can be shipped for a fee or may be picked up curbside at the Nature Realm (828 Smith Rd., Akron) on Tuesdays and Fridays from a.m. to 2 p.m. If you’d like to make a purchase, please call 330-865-8065. If you don’t speak to a member of our staff immediately, please leave a message and your call will be returned within 24 hours. Please note: we are only able to accept credit card payment at this time.
View our full product offering on our website summitmetroparks.org/gift-shop.aspx
SMP honey
social Dept posters
water bottles
magnets / stickers
0
summitmetroparks.org
MAPLE LEAF GIFTS
mugs
nestled pines / don drumm ORNAMENTS
long sleeve tee / sweater fleece
caps / beanies
reusable straws
summitmetroparks.org
dog bowl / leash
patches
Summit County protected
protected
O
ne of the park district’s newest conservation properties was donated by local residents James and Neille Vitale and is now named the John R. Morris III Nature Preserve in honor of Neille’s father. This preserve is located adjacent to Seven Ponds Trail in the Tinkers Creek Area of Liberty Park, on Old Mill Road in Twinsburg Township. The property protects 44 acres of high-quality riparian forest and Category 3 wetlands and connects to other protected natural areas along the Tinkers Creek corridor. A special feature of this property is a stream that artfully meanders, creating several oxbow wetlands that are habitat for a variety of sensitive amphibian species. As a protected conservation area, it will remain closed to the public.
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YOUR BACK YARD
natural area thanks to land donation Mark Szeremet, Land Acquisition Specialist/Park Planner
Summit Metro Parks took over
mink, weasel, muskrat and fox are also
management of the 355-acre Tinkers
frequently spotted in this area. Among
Creek State Park and 786-acre Tinkers
the reptiles and amphibians present are
Creek State Nature Preserve in 204.
snapping turtles, water snakes, four-toed
Together, these parks are now known
salamanders and bullfrogs. Even though
as the Tinkers Creek Area of Liberty
it is located near a large metropolitan
Park. Most of the Tinkers Creek Area
region, the Tinkers Creek Area has
is maintained in its original state as a
remained isolated from development
swamp and marshland that abounds
and retains much of its pristine charm
with diverse plant and animal life.
and natural integrity.
Nesting waterfowl and songbirds may be seen during the spring and early
Summit Metro Parks is grateful to the
summer. Canada geese and wood
Vitales and other generous citizens who
ducks nest throughout the marshes
have helped us achieve our mission
and can be viewed from the trails
over the years. If you are interested in
around the Seven Ponds area. Beaver
donating property for protection and
ponds dot the preserve and add to
conservation by the park district, please
the diversity of plant and animal life by
contact Mark Szeremet at mszeremet@
providing habitat for a greater number
summitmetroparks.org.
of species. White-tailed deer, raccoon,
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The Summit Metro Parks Foundation is a 50(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 99 to further the goals and mission of Summit Metro Parks. We are grateful to the many people, organizations, businesses and agencies who made gifts, grants and sponsorships January through June 30, 2020. These donations and other forms of support create thriving parks that are a cornerstone of Summit County’s quality of life, and benefit the park district’s charitable, educational and scientific initiatives.
DONOR LISTING Anonymous (9) The Family of Ann G. and Ronald C. Allan Paula Balazs
Scott & Annmarie Demko Julie Miller Jordan Dennis Chrissy DeVono
Phil & Mindy Bartholomae
The Drew-Lyons-AndersonShevlin-Ward Family Julie Drew
Kate Bilinski
Lisa Edens
in memory of Shirley Braidich David & Mary Crandell Evelyn Gunning The Kirt Family Shirley L. Koehler Deb Walton Kim Bennett John & Susan Goldsberry
in memory of Alice Egan Kathy Gabelman Milt & Mary Beth Hettinger Eileen & Tom Ivan John & Sally Price Eileen Speranza Sharon Wenzel
Candice Carlyon David Chaney in memory of Angelo & Nada Ciriello and their son Mark Lisa Ciriello in honor of Jane & Doug Clokey Scott McHenry in memory of Fred Deitrick Theodore J. Forsberg
in memory of Dorothy Falk Frederick & Christine Brannan Kandy & Richard Pearson in memory of Margaret Fauser (McConnell) Jane E. Bond Karen J. Kell Andrea Kolleth Sandra J. Mills Lois Murray Margaret Olds Janet M. Schrader Michelle Fox
in honor of Daniel C. Demko Mike Demko Christopher & Jenny Demko
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in memory of Janet Gaydos Jessica Anderson
Denny & Kathy Burns Deborah Devol Carla Dittman McBain Brittany Dugan John A. Gaydos Janice E. Gregg Susan Hackel Joseph J. Harp Dennis & Norma Jordan Kathryn Kaszar Sara Kostek Dave, Karen, Nicole and Nicholas Neila Leslie Stoyer James & Judith Rambacher Leah Recht Linda Recht Melissa Recht & Brian Boyd Nancy Roth Linda & Wayne Sanders II Melinda M. Torres Judith E. Trefz in memory of Dale Gerus Douglas & Patricia Broemsen Mark & Carla Forestieri Pamela B. Gerus Sharlene Jochym Dennis & Sandra Lance David & Natalie Meszaros Donald H. & Janet L. Plas Rosemary A. Rivera Irving & Beth Sugerman Nile & Judith Walker in memory of Kay C. Greathouse Jerry & Kathleen Proper Springfield High School Staff
Ray Hancart in honor of Bob Harmon & Stephanie Harmon Nick & Gail Bleibtrey Alayna Harstine Kerry Helstein Scott Hertle in memory of Christopher Edward Hines The Nixdorf-Walzer Family in memory of Jim Huff Katie Austin David J. Carmany Shelly & Max Dennison Amy Glick Jenn (Midcap) Harper Robert Harpley Catherine Howard Donna Long Maxwell Lyman Michael Richard Lyman Jacob, Michelle & Josh Mauk William & Kathleen Mauk Eugene Opryszko Brent, Nathalina, & Miette Schloneger Stanley & Alma Schloneger Madison Spreitzer Raquel J. Teare Rebecca Yourko Trista Hughes Rebecca Jarvis
foundation.summitmetroparks.org summitmetroparks.org
SUMMIT METRO PARKS FOUNDATION
in memory of Perry Johnson Bill & Shelley Kritek
Nicole Roberts
in memory of John (Jack) Kane Mrs. Martha Adams & Family Chris & Pat Crago Firestone Park Prime Timers Megan Kane Jonathan Riveron Sandy Riveron
Sarah Saddleton Linda & Wayne Sanders II Rachel Sanders Joyce E. Sawinska
Megan Kane
in honor of Michael Schauer Stacy Tucker
Casey Kiel
George E. Seccombe
Mary A. Kincaid
Kevin Street
Phyllis Knepper
Mark Szeremet
Carl Komer
in memory of William Tenney Beverly B. Ankrim David Hill Nick & Maureen Katanic Julie Ann Miller Karen Salemi Robert & Colleen Tigelman
Dave Komito in memory of Jacqueline Lindquist Kira M. Sandmann Michael Marcinkoski Aubrey Marovich Thomas & Rita McCaffrey Cheryl Dulabaum McQueen
2O2O Summit Metro Parks Foundation
Jacqueline Ross
GR ANTS Akron Community Foundation – • Betty R. Axline Fund • Board of Directors Annual Giving Fund • Capital Fund • Civic Affairs DuPont Clear Into the Future
Reimagining the Civic Commons – Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, convener • The JPB Foundation • John S. and James L. Knight Foundation • The Kresge Foundation • The Rockefeller Foundation
First Energy Foundation
Jacqueline Ross Foundation
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Sisler McFawn Foundation
2O2O Summit Metro Parks / Summit Metro Parks Foundation
SPONSORS Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Life Magazine Albrecht Family Foundation and Acme Fresh Market
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Vertical Runner Western Reserve Hospital
House of Plants, Inc. Summa Health
The Bruce & Erica Greer Family Foundation Dalton Tidwell Jessica Toth
Summit Metro Parks Foundation
Green Islands Legacy Society
Alicia Michelle Monteith Brentt Moore Jo-Ann Moritz Nadia Mullin
in memory of Donald L. Trusler Lawrence Halter David Kulchar & Nanci Ronk Patricia Laube
Joli Oliver
Bryan Wallace
Karin Orr
Jenelle Wass
in memory of Richard B. Remington Sr. Cynthia A. Peterson
in memory of James Michael Wilson Joan Marie Bryan GOJO Industries
in memory of Mildred Poole Russ, Paul, & Pat Motz
foundation.summitmetroparks.org
We’re grateful to those who have made a planned gift to the Summit Metro Parks Foundation or Summit Metro Parks. Those who have done so are recognized here as part of the Green Islands Legacy Society. Planned gifts (such as bequests) to the Summit Metro Parks Endowment Fund are a wonderful way to make a lasting difference for your parks. Elizabeth Baker
David Jones
Charles E. & Ruth A. Shea
Alice M. Bittner
Kathryn Kilpatrick
James & Letha Skinner
Bruce H. Buchholzer
Susan Korosa
Marion L. Taylor
Edna L. Carlson
Harold F. Levinson
Marilyn Vernon
Helen S. Coup
Joan Leslie Long
Mildred C. Walzer
Cynthia A. Deli
Emil A. Merkle
Hoyt & Merdith Wells
George E. Seccombe
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G R E E N ISLANDS Vol. 6 No. 6
NOV•DEC ’20
975 Treaty Line Rd. Akron, OH 4433-5837
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WINTER SPORTS As conditions permit, several winter sports can be enjoyed in the Metro Parks, and some locations are lighted for after-sunset fun. Visitors must bring their own equipment. To learn if winter sports areas are open, call 330-865-8060 or follow @metro_parks on Twitter. SLEDDING The best conditions for sledding include frozen ground with at least two inches of snow cover. Walk up the side of sled hills, not in the center where you may be in the path of moving sleds. Sledding is prohibited on trails and wooded hills. ICE SKATING Never skate on a pond or lake unless signs indicate it is open for skating. Ice must be four inches thick and free of snow, and temperatures must remain several degrees below freezing for long periods of time. Wear properly fitted skates with sharpened blades for enhanced control and safety. ICE FISHING Ice fishing is possible in Liberty Park’s Tinkers Creek Area, Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park and the lake in Silver Creek Metro Park, dawn to dusk as conditions allow. Users may not light fires, take motorized vehicles onto the ice, or build/leave structures and shelters on park property. Temporary shanties may be moved only by hand from the parking lot to the lake, and must be removed daily. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Some areas are too steep to negotiate safely on skis. To help keep your skis from being damaged by sharp, uncovered stones, ski only when the trails have at least two inches of snow cover.
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